Nonhuman Primate New Model Development Working Group
The New Model Development Working Group within the NPRC Consortium was established to provide a forum for discussion and collaboration among NPRC in the discovery and characterization of nonhuman primate models of human disease. The group leverages large-scale sequence variant discovery analysis, combined with clinical, behavioral and pathological phenotype analysis to identify novel disease models. Collaborative studies within and between NPRCs enhance opportunities to characterize and to expand model populations for pre-clinical research needs. To date, the NPRCs have identified rhesus macaque models of neurodegenerative disease, vision loss, kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, cancer, reproductive disorders and infectious disease susceptibility.
For more information regarding rhesus macaque genetic disease models, please contact support@nhprc.org.
NHP Genetic Model Resources
Macaque Genotype and Phenotype Database
Macaque Genotype and Phenotype Database (https://mgap.ohsu.edu/) is an NIH-supported resource with genomic and phenotypic data generated from rhesus macaques located at the National Primate Research Centers. This new resource currently includes more than 40 million rhesus macaque variants, with an associated broad array of variant annotations including predicted pathogenicity, allele conservation across species, identity with reported human ClinVar variants, allele frequency and link to animal-specific genotype data. Predicted traits associated with the macaque variants are accessible through direct linkage to the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (https://omim.org/), an online catalog of human genes and inherited disorders.
Publications of Nonhuman Primate Genetic Models
See the latest publications and reports of macaque genetic models including work by members of the New Model Development Working Group.
NMD Working Group Projects
Macaque Behavioral Inhibition Survey
Behavioral inhibition reflects a heritable disposition to react warily to novel situations that is preserved over time. Behavioral inhibition has been associated with various diseases and conditions, such as generalized social anxiety, asthma, and multiple sclerosis. The Behavioral Inhibition working subgroup has developed a valid, reliable, and feasible assessment tool to identify individuals exhibiting extreme levels of BI. This evaluation is conducted in all seven NPRCs, and is based on the Novel Object Paradigm, in which differences in behavioral reactions of rhesus macaques to novelty can be identified. In order to ensure consistency in data collection across facilities, the group has created a systemic instructional video and has conducted interobserver reliability tests.